People often ask, what do you get the person who has everything? My answer is usually food and drink or some kind of experience based on just that. If you know their likes and dislikes, it’s an ideal gift and depending on your budget, there’s a lot to choose from. Food Hampers or gift baskets, are popular gifts at Christmas and let’s face it, so simple as all you have to do is chose and someone else will do all the work, wrapping and delivering. There’s a large number of companies selling hampers but it can be difficult to be confident about the quality of the food unless you are familiar with the contents.
A hamper selection that caught my eye at a recent Christmas food festival was this year’s luxury range from Scottish company, Tasting Scotland. Owner, Brenda Anderson, and business colleague Nicky of Nicole Dalby, Flower & Design, have created a unique collection that hasn’t been offered before. Offering a fusion of fine foods and floral design, the hampers give great value by presenting two gifts in one luxury package. The combination of a Highland inspired handmade wreath along with a range of speciality food makes a truly luxury gift.
Brenda regularly works with many of Scotland’s small artisan food producers on Tasting Scotland’s food tours and for her, including their products was an essential part of choosing the contents for the hampers. No massed produced food, simply artisan in nature all the way. Nicky and Brenda also wanted the hampers to reflect Scotland’s rugged and romantic landscape while protecting the country’s environment. Using mainly natural and sustainable packaging, the hampers are beautifully presented in handmade wooden apple crates with some items like oils and vinegars in refillable bottles.
Each hamper contains a luxury handmade wreath and prices start at £50 for the Christmas Joy basket. Containing a selection of rapeseed oil, vinegar, Christmas pudding, oatcakes, cheese and most unusual addition of cooking hay with a recipe, it’s great value and makes a beautiful gift.
The Seasonal Scotland hamper at £59 contains a seasonal floral arrangement with a range of artisan teas and coffees.
Christmas Joy and Seasonal Scotland
There’s also the Festive Warm Wishes at £85 and the Luxury Greetings at £125. Both contain a wonderful range of food, including cheese, cake, biscuits, oatcakes, condiments and preserves.
There’s also the option to add a bottle of champagne or spirits , or chose the contents to make a bespoke hamper.
Festive Wishes and Luxury Greeting with top quality artisan products
For a full list of contents in each hamper and delivery/collection details see www.tastingscotland.co.uk
Tasting Scotland’s cooking classes, tours, breaks and holidays make the most luxurious of gifts? Gift certificates are also available and you can find full details on the website